Shrinking Snowflake Necklace

I made these for party favors for my daughter’s birthday, but I’ve been wearing one of them around myself so I don’t think this is just a kids’ project. But it does involve shrinky dinks! If you haven’t worked with shrinkable plastic before, you can buy it online or at your local craft store.

Supplies:

Shrinking plastic (frosted, not clear)

Small, sharp scissors

Snowflake template (see link below)

Mini hole punch (1/8″)

Toaster oven

Necklace chain with jump ring

Pliers

1. Print the snowflake template and cut the plastic according to this shape. It’s helpful to cut your plastic down to a smaller size as it’s easier to work with as you cut. Punch a hole at the top where indicated.

2. Melt the snowflake in the toaster oven according to the instructions on your shrinking plastic. If any of the tips get stuck together, you can pull them apart while it’s still hot and re-shrink it to lay flat. When you remove the snowflake from the toaster, immediately place it on a flat, heat-resistant surface and put a pot or drinking glass on top to flatten it.

3. Bend jump ring open and insert it into the hole in the snowflake, thread it onto the necklace chain, and bend the jump ring closed to secure it.

You can also use #6 plastic as shrink plastic. It’s the kind that is generally used in take out boxes (think Taco Bell Nachos lids.) If you want the frosted look you can take a piece of sandpaper and sand both sides. I use a heat gun to shrink it. It’s a lot cheaper than purchasing the shrink plastic and you are “recycling” plastic. I love this idea of snowflake decorations – I wonder if my snowflake punch is strong enough?

Yes, I’ve tried using the recycled plastic, but with mixed results. I can’t ever get it to flatten as much as I want and for this project with thin points, I’m not sure how it would work. But I’d love to see photos if someone gives it a try!

I have a book about snowflakes, and NO they don’t always occur in nature with 6 sides. Some are even warped and have random branching. I wish I could post pictures from my book to show you. But this craft is a great idea. I want to try it but I’m nervous I won’t be able to cut it precise enough.

OMG I love this they are so cute and I do a silver snowflake theme. I will have to do these for ladies for the family. Thank you for sharing. Not just for kids. I think I will use a oil sharpie and make them silver.